“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I say while checking the different dishes.
Although we’ve been living together for a couple of weeks now, Levi doesn’t know much about my taste in food. I’m not picky at all, really, unless it’s Brussels sprouts, they taste like shit.
Levi stuffs a fork of beef pad see ew into his mouth. “I wanted to feed you since you fed me the other night.” He waves his handover the multiple containers around us. “I’m not sure which dish was your favorite, so I got a couple.”
“This is quite the spread—” I cut myself off when I see the yellow curry and quickly snatch it up as if he’s about to take it from me.
He chuckles. “Vegetable yellow curry. Got it.”
“The only thing that would make this better is spring rolls.” The moment the words leave me, a box of them and some plum sauces are set next to my plate.
I must let out a loud squeak since Levi jumps, then chuckles.
Ignoring his amusement, I grab one of the paper plates and serve myself.
“Thanks, Levi. This is perfect for a night in.” I stuff a spoonful of the curry into my mouth and sigh at the taste.
Levi smiles slightly and clears his throat, finishing his meal. “Who said we’re staying in?”
My head shoots up. “We?” Oh God, I’m praying that he’s not taking me out on a pity date.
His eyes narrow on mine before smirking. “Em, Jake, you, and me. Cam and Kami are celebrating alone.” He pauses dramatically. “We’re going to King’s Wolf at eight, so be ready.”
I stop chewing. “What for?”
Levi tilts his head and points to my plate. “Finish your food and get ready. It’s a surprise.”
Two hours later,I’m dressed in the same jeans and shoes as last time, except tonight, I’m wearing a looser-fitting dark pink shirt to match the Valentine’s Day theme. My hair’s braided, and I put on some mascara, the tiniest bit of eyeshadow, and lip gloss.
Feeling decent enough, I exit my room to meet with Levi. He’s sat on the couch in dark jeans, a white T-shirt, and a gray jacket, looking every bit the musician he is.
He gives me a once-over before nodding approvingly.
We walk out the door to go to King’s Wolf. A few minutes later, we step foot inside the bar, and Em and Jake are already holding a table for us. Then I realize something odd: there’s no loud dance music, and it isn’t dark like it usually is on the weekends.
“Levi, what’s going on?”
And that’s when I see it: the screen, the microphones, the mini stage. My stomach drops.
It’s karaoke.
“We’re getting some practice in for your audition,” he says proudly as we walk over to Em and Jake.
I halt mid-step, shaking my head, all my confidence for the night flying straight out the door.
My stage fright can’t handle singing in front of what seems to be well over seventy people. As if my feet have a mind of their own, they take one step toward the exit before Levi wraps his hand around my waist and tucks me in close, making me gasp.
“Look at me,” he demands.
Breathing heavily, I can’t find myself looking anywhere except the door. Finally, his fingers grasp my chin, leaving me no choice but to look at him.
His face is serious, yet calm. His eyes pleading as if to listen to what he’s about to say, and my breath hitches the tiniest bit when I feel his thumb grazing my cheek.
“You need to get this audition. I might not be working with you on the song, but I promise you here and now that you can count on me for the other eight things on that list.”
It takes a second for my mind to catch up to what he’s saying, especially with the thumb that gently stroked my lower cheek. “You haven’t even read it yet.”
His lips turn up. “I might’ve peeked at it when you left it on the coffee table yesterday.” I lift an eyebrow, annoyed at his nosiness. “And I know that the first thing you wrote there was to sing in public.” Levi tilts his head to the small stage. “Now’s your chance, Bambi. So, what’s it gonna be?”
